How to Remove the Recommended Section from Windows 11 Start Menu

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Windows 11 is a significant departure from its predecessors, boasting a fresh look, reimagined features, and a much-discussed centered Start menu. However, with change often comes a bit of friction, as many users express their dissatisfaction with certain elements—particularly the Recommended section of the Start menu. This guide is your go-to resource for learning how to declutter your interface by removing this feature.

Why Remove the Recommended Section?​

For some users, the Recommended section appears to be more of a nuisance than a help. In this space, Windows insists on displaying recently opened files and newly installed apps, which, while designed for convenience, can expose sensitive information or simply add clutter. The idea of having documents pop up there—which could be embarrassing if someone else uses your PC—leads many to seek a cleaner, more personalized Start menu.

How to Clean Up Your Start Menu​

Here we’ll walk you through several effective methods to annihilate that pesky Recommended section from your Start menu.

Method 1: Using the Settings Menu​

This straightforward approach works for most users and can be accomplished in just a few clicks:
  1. Open Settings: Press Win + I.
  2. Navigate to Personalization: On the left pane, select Personalization.
  3. Select Start: Scroll down and click on Start from the options.
  4. Toggle Off Recommendations:
    • Switch off Show recently installed apps.
    • Turn off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.
    • Disable Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
    • Optionally, switch off Show account-related notifications occasionally in Start.
Done! Your Start menu will breathe easier, devoid of unnecessary distractions.

Method 2: Using Windows PowerShell​

For those who love some advanced tinkering, PowerShell offers a more technical means to achieve the same goal — but do note, this method is only available for Windows 11 Education and SE editions:
  1. Open PowerShell: Type PowerShell in the Start menu and run it as an administrator.
  2. Input Command:
    Code:
    powershell New-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer" -Name "HideRecommendedSection" -PropertyType DWord -Value 1 -Force
  3. Hit Enter: The command will take effect without further ado.

Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor​

If you're running a compatible version, the Group Policy Editor can condense your task further:
  1. Access the Run Dialog: Press Win + R.
  2. Open Group Policy Editor: Type gpedit.msc and click OK.
  3. Find the Right Path: Navigate to:
    • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
  4. Configure Settings:
    • Double-click on the option labeled Remove Recommended section from Start Menu.
    • Set it to Enabled and press Apply.

Method 4: Editing the Registry​

For power users comfortable with editing the registry, here's how:
  1. Open Run: Press Win + R.
  2. Launch Registry Editor: Type regedit.msc and hit Enter.
  3. Navigate to the Path:
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
  4. Modify the Value:
    • Find HideRecommendedSection, double-click it and set the value from 0 to 1.
  5. Close the Editor: Your changes will be saved automatically.

In Conclusion​

The removal of the Recommended section from the Start menu can lead to a cleaner, more personalized experience on Windows 11. While some may appreciate the functionality it offers for quick access to frequently used files, others prefer a more curated approach—free from unintended exposures.
With the methods outlined above, you can tailor your Start menu to better fit your preferences. Whether you're a casual user or a tech aficionado, these steps cater to a wide range of user needs. Now, your Start menu can be just what you want it to be: a pleasant gateway to your computing experience without the unwanted fuss.
Feel free to explore other enhancements for Windows 11, such as optimizing performance for gaming or managing background processes. After all, enhancing your Windows experience is just a few tweaks away!

Source: TechPP How to Remove the Recommended Section From Start Menu on Windows 11
 


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